When I broke the big news to my mom over the telephone, I could almost hear her enormous smile through the line.
“Seriously? “Oh wow, that sounds amazing… I can’t wait,” she said.
“Now, what am I going to wear…?”
Fast-forward to a month later, our special day had finally arrived.
Without a lick of makeup and my hair in an unruly top-knot, it was go-time.
We packed the car with some gorgeous pieces we both found at Vanilla Clothing and headed for the open road.
These two Valley Momma’s were big-city bound.
During our drive, my mind was focused on what we were about to do — the Ultimate Mother-Daughter Glam Photo Session with phoTobin Photography.
I had the pleasure of being photographed and completely made-over by this dynamic husband and wife team a few years ago. It was such an amazing, life-changing experience that I decided to do it again –this time I would bring my mom along.
My mother’s last professional photos were taken at my wedding 10 years ago. There were also the super awkward family photos at Sears with the tacky backgrounds and contrived poses.
Blast to the Past
“This is going to be so much fun, I can’t believe I’m actually doing this,” said my mom.
“Mom, I thought I told you that you’re not supposed to wear any makeup?”
“I’m not luv,” she laughed.
You see, my mom is 56, but she is often mistaken as being my sister. She’s a strikingly beautiful women who turns a lot of heads when we’re out. However, she has a tough time when she looks in the mirror or sees a photograph of herself.
“I hope they can fix this, make this smaller or Photoshop that right out… oh, and I hope I don’t have to smile,” she said numerous times leading up to the big day.
“Oh you’re going to smile,” I thought to myself.
“Especially when you see the finished results. You’re FINALLY going to see what we all see.”
The minute we walked into their beautiful natural light studio on Scotia Street in Vancouver, we were warmly greeted by Sarah and Tobin.
First, we chatted with them about how we wanted to be photographed and then went through the rolling rack of clothes we brought to choose the perfect outfits for the shoot.
“Did we bring too much?” laughed my mom.
“There is no such thing as over-packing for your session since who knows what mood might strike once you’re here,” said Sarah.
Next, it was time to be whisked into the chair for hair and makeup. Warning: I look like one frazzled Valley mom.
The Before Photos
The before photos.
My mom is always taking care of everyone, except for herself, which is why it was so nice to watch her be primped and pampered for once.
“Okay, you’re done. Go take a peek in the mirror,” instructed Sarah.
The transformation left us both speechless. I may have even got a little teary- eyed.
Neither my mom nor I are exactly comfortable being in front a camera, but Tobin was skilled at sculpting us into beautiful figure-flattering poses. Sarah also stood by to keep an eye on all the little details of our hair, makeup and clothing.
Mom’s Transformation
My Transformation
Just the Two of Us
When it came to the big revealing session to view our photos, I was completely blown away… speechless, really.
In fact, I had to keep a stoic face to fight the big fat tears from rolling down my cheek. As I glanced over at my mom who was sitting next to me, I could see she was also in the same state.
“I don’t know what to say,” she stammered, biting her lower lip.
She didn’t have to say anything at all — I knew she finally saw what I’ve seen my whole life.
I’ll never forget this incredible experience and am so glad I was able to share it with my mom.
Now if it’s true what they say that a photo is worth a thousand words, this video is worth about a gazillion.
The Giveaway
ValleyMom.ca is thrilled to partner with phoTobin Photography to give away the Ultimate Mother-Daughter Glam Session — a prize valued at approx. $1,175.
Here is what one lucky winner and their mother/daughter or whomever they’d like to bring along will experience:
– Hair styling and makeup
– 5 prints (with digital images)
– PLUS $60 towards any additional portraits
10 Runner Up Prizes
* Didn’t win the grand prize? That’s okay! phoTobin Photography would also like to give away 10 gift certificates to 10 ValleyMom.ca fans for $250 (this includes the session – $190 – and $60 towards portraits).
109 Comments
Karen paulsen
April 17, 2015 at 2:55 pmI cannot begin to tell you how much it would mean to me to win something like this. My daughter and I have not had photos done since she was in grade 6. Now she just finished her first year of university. We have been through a lot together and I would love to commemorate this time in our lives and how far we have come.
diane
May 9, 2015 at 9:57 amI would bring my husband and son because they embody Mother’s Day for me.
Cathy Empey
April 17, 2015 at 3:01 pmAs the person behind the camera most of the past six years plus, I would love to win this for my wonderful Mom and I!! If I could add in my two beautiful sisters that would be even more amazing! I have dreamed of this for us. Thank you. <3
PS Beautiful photos!!!
Lisa Munday
April 17, 2015 at 3:01 pmWhat an awesome contest <3 I would Love to share this experience with My Mother in law. She just turned 82 and is such a special lady. She never does anything nice for herself and I know she would love this.
marzia
April 17, 2015 at 3:03 pmlovely
Shelley
April 17, 2015 at 3:04 pmI would bring my mom with me as I think she deserves something like this more than anyone.
cindy
April 17, 2015 at 3:09 pmTo be honest, I have no idea who I would bring. I have many mothers, as my own left at a very young age. My life has been enriched with beautiful, amazing woman, everyday, that leave me with gifts of knowledge, that I am sure that a real mother would give. Perhaps names in a hat and I would draw…LOL. Thank-you for the opportunity! *smooch*
Chelsea
April 17, 2015 at 3:12 pmThis would be such an amazing gift for my mom that means everything to me!!
Carolyn
April 17, 2015 at 3:14 pmMy Mother is my hero. She’s SO tough and SO giving. I would LOVE to win this for her and I for some special Mommy/Daughter time. I’m her only girl 🙂
cherie g
April 17, 2015 at 3:29 pmmy mom 🙂
Ashley
April 17, 2015 at 3:42 pmYou are both beautiful! What a great experience to share together.
Tara
April 17, 2015 at 3:43 pmI would totally bring my mom!!!!!
Lana
April 17, 2015 at 3:43 pmIt would be a hard choice between my mother or sister, or hmmm even my BFF!
Sarah
April 17, 2015 at 3:46 pmi think that this would be a neat thing to take my mom to!
Stephanie Stumph
April 17, 2015 at 3:55 pmSo in LOVE with your photographs Kristyl!!! They are so amazing! Would love to do this with my Momma 😉
KristylClark
April 17, 2015 at 4:25 pmThank you Stephanie, we’re thrilled with how they turned out!
Jenna
April 17, 2015 at 4:12 pmSo much fun! You ladies are and look amazing!
Katy
April 17, 2015 at 4:13 pmMy wonderful mother of course! 🙂
Amy Libby
April 17, 2015 at 4:29 pmI would love to win this! I was watching a popular TV show today and they had just done makeovers. I literally was almost in tears as I have been feeling so frumpy and just blah. I work for an amazing clothing company but don’t feel that I can approach people about it because of the way I look myself. I’ve been told I’m pretty or cute or whatever but I definitely don’t feel like it since my body has changed after having my daughter. I know we can’t all win this but I would sure appreciate the chance.
You and your mom look gorgeous. Stunning! And you can see the transformation in her!
KellyL
April 17, 2015 at 4:34 pmI have never had a mother/daughter photo session. What an awesome experience that would be. I couldn’t do it with my mother – next best thing is having this with my daughter. 🙂
Sarah
April 17, 2015 at 4:38 pmWhat a fun contest!!
Unfortunately my mother passed away 12 years ago from cancer. She was a single mom, but always found the time and resource to have mommy-daughter portraits done. I would bring my own daughter along for this photo-session….she’s 9 and just getting into the whole “glam-girl” thing. She’s always asking me to paint her nails, or curl her hair, or asking advice on which necklace matches her outfit. She’d love this kind of pampering just as much as I would!
Laurreen
April 17, 2015 at 4:45 pmI would love to bring my daughter to this photo shoot. We’ve never go to do something so special together, especially since she’s now an adult.
Jennifer
April 17, 2015 at 4:48 pmI would love to win this 🙂 My mum, much like yours, has trouble seeing herself as others do. She is a 13 year breast cancer survivor and I have my own health complications as well and we have been there for each other through thick and thin. Since her diagnosis, she’s been longing to have photos taken as we have none of us together nor as a family in almost 25 years. Sadly, we’ve had issues trying to get this “to-do” ticked off the list so far. I think this would be a very special and unique experience to win and share with her and help her tick off her to do list <3 🙂
Tara M.
April 17, 2015 at 5:11 pmMy sweet little 6 year old daughter 🙂
Jen
April 17, 2015 at 5:46 pmthis would so amazing. I would hope to be able to bring my mom and stepmom as both have been a part of my whole life. They’re both amazing moms!! 🙂
Britt
April 17, 2015 at 5:49 pmThis is something I would never do, but would love to have these precious memories with my mom!!
Kyla
April 17, 2015 at 5:56 pmYou guys look so fab!!! I would bring wine. And some spanx.
Amy Friesen
April 17, 2015 at 5:59 pmMy mom is the best lady you will ever meet. She is so sweet and caring, always putting everyone before herself. Just recently she actually told me she thought she could of been a better mother when us kids were younger. my jaw dropped! I have no idea why she would even think that when she has been nothing but the best and supportive most loving mother any child could have. She deserves this so much! I love her to the moon and back 🙂
Dana Miller
April 17, 2015 at 7:27 pmI’d like to bring both my Mom and my daughter to have all 3 generations in the photo. I am always behind the camera so I don’t have many photos with myself and my little one. I would be grateful to win a photo shoot and quality pictures to treasure forever!
shaunna P
April 17, 2015 at 7:52 pmWhat a fantastic contest. would love to win this for some photos with my mom
Jaimie Gilroy
April 17, 2015 at 9:28 pmI would love to do a mother daughter photo session. I never had a chance with my mom as she passed from breast cancer when I was a child. I want give my daughter a gift she can cherish her whole life. We are not rich, we don’t dress up and go out. But I believe this would be something amazing for the both of us. Thank you.
Jen o.
April 17, 2015 at 10:01 pmProbably my mom, she really deserves it. But it would be cute to do with my daughter too.
Mona Lefebvre
April 17, 2015 at 10:20 pmOh, this would be just amazing! Would love for my mom to be pampered for a day…even better if we get to do it together!
Roxie
April 17, 2015 at 10:49 pmMy Mum deserves a day of pampering more than anyone I’ve ever met. She dedicated her life to raising two kids, and helping the women in her community. At 75, she’s never had a portrait taken, and I would love to have some truly beautiful photos of her!
Julia
April 17, 2015 at 10:56 pmLooks like a great day! I would bring my mom or my stepdaughter 🙂
Nicole
April 18, 2015 at 6:56 amWhat a lovely prize this would be to share with my mother!
Kelly Graham Tick
April 17, 2015 at 11:11 pmMy mum would love this so much! What beautiful treasures!!! And you both look gorgeous, as always!
Michelle
April 17, 2015 at 11:40 pmI’d bring my daughter. Being a single Mom, I could never afford something like this.
Shelagh
April 18, 2015 at 1:14 amI would love to have the opportunity to share this with my 14 year old daughter:) she is amazing and we never get any opportunities like this. She is beautiful and I want her to see it.
Michelle
April 18, 2015 at 9:07 amMy mom for reasons I cannot understand is not a part of my life so I’d love to share this with my beautiful baby daughter!
Tara Jensen
April 18, 2015 at 9:23 amI would bring my mom. She’s struggled with self image so much lately and lost both of her parents to cancer this year, she deserves the chance to feel beautiful and have some cherished memories to look back on. Thanks for the chance!
Erica
April 18, 2015 at 9:28 amthis would be amazing! you ladies look amazing!!!!
Tamara Renee
April 18, 2015 at 9:30 amIt has been so long since having photo’s done with my Mom….way back when I was in highschool. She would be so surprised if we won this!
Ashley Whitcroft
April 18, 2015 at 9:35 amThis would be amazing to win!
Ashley Whitcroft
April 18, 2015 at 9:37 amI would bring my husband
Bev
April 18, 2015 at 9:36 amWould love to have this happen!
Patricia Driessen
April 18, 2015 at 9:49 amSounds amazing, I would bring my mom and two daughters!!!!
Cindy
April 18, 2015 at 9:51 amI would bring my daughter 🙂
Joan Gibson
April 18, 2015 at 9:51 amMy daughter and I both live locally and are very close. She is also a mother – has 2 wonderful sons. This would be so special for us should we win. Thank You for the opportunity. <3
Meaghan D
April 18, 2015 at 10:05 amI would LOVE to have photos taken with my 2 girls. One is 3.5 years and the other is 8 months. It would be an amazing Mother’s Day!
Laura Mayer
April 18, 2015 at 10:41 amI would probably bring either my sister or my mom.
Brandee
April 18, 2015 at 11:24 amI would absolutely bring my mom with me. After losing my dad unexpectedly shortly before Christmas, I would love to be able to gift her with an incredible experience like this.
Jenn Gill
April 18, 2015 at 1:43 pmI would bring my mom.
Melody
April 18, 2015 at 1:59 pmI would bring my daughter and together we would bring our best smiles, along with a couple of cute outfits. She just turned 19 so this would be so much fun to remember this transition in her life.
Anne
April 18, 2015 at 2:13 pmMy mother is incredible and is often the one making sure that everyone else shines. I would love for her to have some amazing pictures of herself for her speaking and facilitation work. Even though I am adopted (and Korean and she is Caucasian), we often get told that we look alike – isn’t that funny? I can’t wait to see what the camera sees… 😉
Anne
April 18, 2015 at 2:15 pmI would love to give my mom this gift. She is incredible and often is the one making sure that other people shine. This would be amazing for her to have great headshot for her public speaking and facilitation work. Even though I am adopted, we often get told that we look alike. I can’t wait to see what the camera sees!
If we could bring my three girls, too, that would be fun. They are 21, 2 and 5 months old. Girls!!!!
Tamara
April 18, 2015 at 2:17 pmWould be amazing to win and share this experience with my mom. The past couple of years have been tough and she doesn’t have opportunity to treat herself much. This all sounds like just plain fun! We all need that sometimes!
Jacky k
April 18, 2015 at 4:17 pmI would be my darling mother and older sister. My mother taught us to always look out for each other and love each other endlessly. #familyforever
darci
April 18, 2015 at 7:14 pmMy best friend, she would love this!
Kelly Krol
April 18, 2015 at 7:36 pmI would absolutely bring my Mum! The last photo session we did was in the 80’s at the Bay Portrait Studio! So starchy looking
Koryn H
April 18, 2015 at 8:34 pmI would bring my daughter!
Jessica TaN
April 18, 2015 at 8:43 pmmy mom passed away 12 years ago-6 months after my first Mother’s Day. I’d love to bring both my sisters to do this. But if I can’t bring both (and I can’t choose just one) I’d bring my own daughter
Ine
April 18, 2015 at 8:49 pmI would love to win this package. My mom lives in Belgium and I definitely don’t get to see her enough. What a wonderful surprise it would be to offer her something like this on her next visit!!
Melissa
April 18, 2015 at 9:00 pmI would bring my mom obviously 🙂 we’ve never had mother daughter photos done and she could definitely use some pampering after helping a daughter fight cancer for 2.5 years and doing everything possible to help me through school, including allowing me and my son to live in her house rent, food, bill, and daycare worry free for 5+ years until I’ve graduated university <3
Tracy Mack
April 18, 2015 at 10:34 pmWow! Your photos are amazing!!! I share my Mum with my fabulous sister Kelly Krol, so it would cool to share this experience with her too! Even cooler to extend it to both our girls for a multi-generational experience.
denise
April 19, 2015 at 10:32 pmI would bring my daughter.
Freda
April 19, 2015 at 11:24 pmWoW What fun!
…I don’t know who I will bring… unless you’d like to fly my Mom in from South Africa! lol
xxx
Bonnie Way
April 20, 2015 at 10:33 amWow, these are FABULOUS pictures of you both!!! If I could talk my mom into coming out from Alberta, I’d totally do it with her!!! Otherwise maybe I’d take MY daughters. 🙂
Melissa Goodwin
April 20, 2015 at 4:02 pmI would love to win this!!
Alicia
April 20, 2015 at 6:42 pmAwesome
Adelina
April 20, 2015 at 7:39 pmI’d definitely bring my mother! She spends so much time caring for everyone else so this would be a lot of fun for her.
Salma
April 21, 2015 at 4:21 pmProbably my mom, maybe my daughter…it’s so hard to choose! Love your photos, gorgeous!
kim
April 22, 2015 at 7:24 pmI don’t know. I may bring my Mom, but I also may bring one of my step daughters I just reconncected with after 10 years of not seeing them. It would be nice to pamper one of them.
jackie brown
April 22, 2015 at 8:15 pmWhat a wonderful day for a mom & daughter to share.I would bring my daughter of course because she always puts everyone before herself. 🙂
jackie brown
April 22, 2015 at 8:20 pmWhat a wonderful day to share with my daughter of course. Would be just way too much fun. 🙂
Teresa Roe
April 22, 2015 at 8:56 pmThis looks like so much fun!!
Andrea Schierling
April 22, 2015 at 9:13 pmWhat a lovely contest! It would be so much fun to win! I would bring my Mom who is so special to me!
Pamela Shah
April 22, 2015 at 10:11 pmMy mom, Dorothy, and I would love to do this together. We need some glam girl time, as I have 4 brothers and it’s just not the same 🙂
Jennifer
April 22, 2015 at 11:17 pmI’d probably take my BFF who would never in a million years do this for herself and she so deserves to feel glamorous even if it’s only for a day!
Erin heutink
April 23, 2015 at 12:41 amMy daughter
Larissa
April 23, 2015 at 11:01 amI would definitely bring my mom! She’s been begging for new photos of us since 1999! We definitely could use this – it would make her Mother’s Day. 🙂
Michelle S.
April 23, 2015 at 11:57 amI would love to do this with my daughter, she’s in high school and doesn’t always feel confident in her own skin. I think it would be a great boost for her to see what we all see that she is beautiful inside & out.
kim
April 23, 2015 at 11:59 amThis would be so fun to do with my daughters!!!
Leah B
April 23, 2015 at 1:01 pmMy sister who is also a Mom. We live a few hours apart, and would love to share this opportunity and connect like old times!
Sarah
April 23, 2015 at 1:32 pmYour contests are always wonderful and Sarah and Tobin have done an amazing job as always!
I would love to bring my mom but she would never come!
As I prep for my upcoming wedding, I realized that in over 7 years together, my camera shy fiance and I have literally 5 photos together, so I would probably have to bring him for this amazing experience!
Tobin Smith
April 26, 2015 at 6:53 amSarah, have you seen our ‘little black book’? It’s a little something to give him on your wedding day. Message us if you haven’t and I can share the slideshow of it with you 🙂
Zuri
April 24, 2015 at 8:46 amOh my word, does my mom ever need this! She is so beautiful inside and out, but she has struggled with her body image for as long as I can remember. The added challenge of aging and health issues over the last decade has not helped matters at all. I would definitely bring her to this as well as my younger sister. Keeping my fingers, toes and everything else crossed! 🙂
jessica eapen
April 25, 2015 at 6:35 pmi would bring my mom of course!
Melanie Friesen
April 27, 2015 at 11:50 amI’d love to bring both of my daughters.
Teri-Lynn
April 28, 2015 at 3:33 pmMy Mom & I would love a makeover! This would be an once in a lifetime experience we wouldn’t forget. I would bring my Mom or daughter to experience lots of giggles and good memories.
Connie Pearson
April 29, 2015 at 7:32 pmI would bring my daughter. Beautiful photographs ladies, you’re both stunning!
Cindy L
May 1, 2015 at 6:06 pmI would love to be able to bring my mom and my daughter and have a 3 generation shoot! Barring that, I would absolutely bring my mom – as, like you, I want her to see what everyone else sees…just how beautiful she really is!
Anna R
May 2, 2015 at 8:57 amWow – what amazing photos, and what a great opportunity. I am not a fan of being in front of the camera, but for photos as beautiful as these I wouldn’t hesitate! And what an amazing memory keepsake for a mom and daughter 🙂
Louise Chapman
May 3, 2015 at 6:37 pmI would take my daughter 🙂
Cassie
May 3, 2015 at 8:11 pmI’ve never had professional photos taken with me and my Mom – what an opportunity! Thank you . 🙂
Deanna
May 4, 2015 at 8:02 amI would bring my mom because she never gets photos taken and is long overdue! She deserves to have photos where she feels pretty!
Tiffany Wilson
May 5, 2015 at 3:53 pmI would totally bring my mom. She’s had a hard year and this would be a wonderful way to bring out her inner glam side.
Bev burr
May 5, 2015 at 4:35 pmThis would mean so much my grandaughter as diagnosed with leukemia in December,and we have been dealing with the heartbreak of that she also had a newborn early March and just is so strong. She so deserves a treat
Nicole Conklin
May 5, 2015 at 8:10 pmI would bring my mom because she has been truly inspiring and loved me through everything I have put her through! She is the best mom I could ask for!
shannon grochowski
May 6, 2015 at 1:20 pmI would love to bring my mom but she might not be able to make it. Otherwise I would love to bring my oldest daughter. I think it would be soo special to look back on when she gets older.
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May 6, 2015 at 2:26 pmKimberly
May 8, 2015 at 9:39 amI would bring my mom who does all she can for my my family and son and if I can bring two also my completely selfless sister/mother of my niece.
Tobin Smith
May 8, 2015 at 2:50 pmKimberly, for the {modern glam} experience you can bring both your amazing mom and you selfless sister 🙂
lynette
May 9, 2015 at 11:08 amI would bring my beautiful daughter. Time flies by to quickly and we need to capture all the moments possible.
Karen
May 9, 2015 at 4:39 pmWould love this as lately I have been feeling frumpy and not put together!!!
Malinda Kelly
May 9, 2015 at 6:05 pmMy daughter is expecting her first child, my first grandchild. So it would be nice to win and have our pictures taken. I would also bring my mom so we could get a 4 generations picture, I am not sure how long my mom has left to be in this world.
Tobin Smith
May 9, 2015 at 8:44 pmWow, Malinda, how precious that would be for your granddaughter to have that 4 generation image as a legacy portrait to see where she came from and for you to have with your mother.
cassandra
May 9, 2015 at 9:02 pmIt’s great that they do hair and makeup too!
Linda
May 9, 2015 at 10:08 pmMy mom lives across the globe so can’t make that happen….but would bring my three little children who have made me the best and luckiest mom I can be for them!