reignite your love for creating
Elopement and couples styled shoots across Western Canada.
Build a portfolio that attracts your ideal client
Make amazing friends in the industry.
Be inspired and capture fresh, fun content.
I WANT IN!
Our shoots are planned with intention, creating a safe space where everyone can embrace their own unique giftings and have an amazing experience collaborating. We want each shootout to not only be about capturing insanely amazing content for your portfolio but also for you to allow yourself to colour outside the lines, get out of your comfort zone and find the gold inside!
Each shootout will feature an elopement and a fun couple’s styled shoot so you have ample time and guidance to rotate between the two styles and capture all the details! Everything is covered (except for travel) so you literally just have to show up with your gear and get ready to have a great time!
Our mission is to connect creatives and break the comparison game by reigniting your passion for what you do so you feel inspired and reconnected to your work.
How do we do it?
By providing a safe space to create without judgement.
By embracing everyone's unique giftings.
By bringing creatives together to build a sense of community.
What makes our shootouts different?
Start with a welcome chat to meet and discuss the flow of the shoot.
Split into 2 groups of 6 so there's lots of room to space out.
All attendees get their own posing/directing opportunities with couple.
Receive your own PDF guide of movement based prompts you can use.
Water and snacks will be provided.
Does this sound familiar? One photographer takes over the shoot to get the shots they want, posing feels stiff and uncomfortable, you're constantly being elbowed in the face, and the whole thing is overcrowded and disorganized? Yeah, that doesn't sound very fun to us either... We do things differently in order to provide the best possible experience to everyone attending (both models and photographers).
We're Cassie & Liv, the founders of Create Gold.
Meet Cassie
Hey! I’m Cassie – Founder and lead planner of Love Spell Co.
I am a hopeless romantic, inspired by love and connection within the universe. I plan, style and design soulful and authentic experiences on the West Coast of Canada and wherever love takes me.
I am over the moon to be able to collaborate and co-host with Liv in order to bring such a fresh, new type of shoot out series around Canada!
Follow me on Instagram
Meet Liv
I'm an elopement photographer and educator for the goofballs, adventure seekers, and world changers. My favourite place to be is outdoors—hiking in the mountains, relaxing by the ocean, camping in the forest—anywhere I can soak in God's beautiful creation. I'm driven by adventure and relationships. I'm a 6w7 on the enneagram, so basically I love pushing past my fears and trying new things.
I'm so excited to be co-hosting these styled shoots! Not only do I want you to leave with beautiful images that attract your idea client, but I want you to leave feeling more loved, confident, and valued. I want you to leave with new friendships and an amazing community of photographers to build you up. I can't wait to get to know you and create gold together.
Follow me on Instagram
Upcoming Shoots:
Date TBD
Click for more info
July 4th
View galleries from our past shoots:
Fall Hiking Elopement
Fun Lakeside Couple
Sunrise Hiking Elopement
Sand Dunes Elopement
Colourful Elopement
& Desert Couple
Location: Around Drumheller, Alberta (exact location tbd)
Date: TBD
Time: TBD
$550 + tax
If you've been dreaming of bringing some life to the Alberta Badlands with a fresh, fun and vibrant colour palette then this is the elopement styled shoot you've been waiting for! Set in the desert with colourful bohemian details, a custom NEW floral design will be sure to allow you to colour outside the lines and liven up your feed!
Also included is a playful couple's session set in the desert.
postponed
Your ticket includes:
» Access to 2 fully styled shoots
» Shoot introduction and meet & greet
» 2.5 hours of shooting time
» Individual posing/directing time with the couple
» Exclusive shootout PDF guide
» On site posing tips from Liv Hettinga Photography
» On site styling from Love Spell Co to adjust models/items
» Full rights to your own photos
» IG group to connect with attendees before the shoot
Fall Hiking Elopement
Location: Larch Valley, Moraine Lake, Alberta
Date: September 17, 2021
Time: roughly 3:00-11:30pm
Hike: 12km, 817m elevation gain
$375
Calling all adventure photographers!! Have you been dreaming of scaling mountains with your couples?
We have the perfect styled shoot to help you attract your ideal clients! Join us in the rockies on September 17! Think of a hiking through a valley of golden larches, a small picnic celebration, and a first dance under the stars. This elopement shoot is going to be one you don't want to miss!
SOLD OUT
Your ticket includes:
» Access to 1 fully styled shoot
» Shoot introduction and meet & greet
» 2.5 hours of shooting time
» Individual posing/directing time with the couple
» Exclusive shootout PDF guide with Leave no Trace information
» On site posing tips from Liv Hettinga Photography
» Full rights to your own photos
» IG group to connect with attendees before the shoot
White Mountain Elopement
& Lakeside Couple
Location: Kananaskis, Alberta
Date: July 12, 2021
Time: 6:00-9:30
$430 + tax
If you’re dreaming of capturing a modern bohemian elopement in the mountains with neutral tones and airy blooms as well as a fun couples session being playful in the water and having fun on a paddleboard then this is the shootout for you!
Oh and did we mention? We may just have an influencer and model who you will be capturing that will help bring this shootout to the next level and book your dream clients.
SOLD OUT
Your ticket includes:
» Access to 2 fully styled shoots
» Shoot introduction and meet & greet
» 2.5 hours of shooting time
» Individual posing/directing time with the couple
» Exclusive shootout PDF guide
» On site posing tips from Liv Hettinga Photography
» On site styling from Love Spell Co to adjust models/items
» Full rights to your own photos
» IG group to connect with attendees before the shoot
Camping Elopement Shoot
Location: Two Jack Lake, Banff National Park
Date: July 4th, 2023
Time: 6:00-10:00pm
$300
Wanting to attract more outdoorsy couples to work with? This adventurous camping elopement will do just that! Capture the entire elopement experience from details, getting ready, a campfire and luxury picnic, vows by the lake, a canoe ride, and an evening swim.
buy ticket
Your ticket includes:
» Access to 1 fully styled shoot
» Shoot introduction and meet & greet
» 3 hours of shooting time
» Individual posing/directing time with the couple
» Exclusive shootout PDF guide
» On site posing tips from Liv Hettinga Photography
» Time to visit and build connections with other attendees
» Food to snack on
Retro Rooftop Elopement & Pizza Date Night
Location: Downtown Calgary, Alberta
Date: May 16, 2021
Time: 6:00-9:00
$200
If you've been dreaming of bringing some life to the heart of downtown Calgary with a fresh, fun and vibrant colour palette then this is the elopement styled shoot you've been waiting for! Set on a rooftop with modern bohemian details, a custom NEW backdrop design will be sure to allow you to colour outside the lines and liven up your feed!
Also included is a couple's date night session featuring a bernese mountain pup, longboard and some bomb pizza!
Purchase TICKET
Your ticket includes:
» Access to 2 fully styled shoots
» Shoot introduction and meet & greet
» 2.5 hours of shooting time
» Individual posing/directing time with the couple
» Exclusive shootout PDF guide
» On site posing tips from Liv Hettinga Photography
» On site styling from Love Spell Co to adjust models/items
» Full rights to your own photos
» IG group to connect with attendees before the shoot
» Una Pizzaaaaa
-Kayley
If you're on the fence about signing up, this is your sign to jump. Not only was the group such an incredible and encouraging space to be in, but the overall set up was so well orchestrated and resulted in INCREDIBLE content with awesome vendors! If you want a space to work on your style, composition or even just learning to work better with couples, this is a perfect chance because you don't have the pressure of shooting someone's wedding which really gives you a whole new space to create gold!!!
If you want a space to work on your style, composition or even just learning to work better with couples, this is a perfect chance
-Emily
The Sand Hills shootout was an incredible experience. It completely pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way. I have the hardest time with direction so it was really cool to observe fellow photographers do what comes naturally. I absolutely loved the set up. Liv and Cassie went above what I was expecting and provided a backdrop that I would have never thought had it not been for them. There were some hurdles that the whole crew had to deal with (cue sandstorm in the first 30 minutes), but the Create Gold team made the best of the worst situation. We still managed to create magic together as a crew, and this will always be a memory I look back on that helped me and my business. Thank you guys!!! I loved it and can’t wait to attend another soon.
It completely pushed me out of my comfort zone in the best way
-Kaitlyn
The Create Gold shootout in Banff was AMAZING! I was able to use the time to really focus on improving skills without the pressure of being at a real elopement. The way Liv and Cassie have the shootout set up, I was so thankful to have time with the couple to direct and lead the shoot for a short time. They definitely have their shootout organized well and I love how much thought they put into the location and time of day. It resulted in the most dreamy images ever and I can't wait to attend another shootout with them!!!
I was so thankful to have time with the couple to direct and lead the shoot for a short time
-Angelique
When you attend a styled shoot you will receive more than you can imagine!! Every detail, location, weather was perfect!! Worth every penny! If you want to grow your business, this is a must!!
Every detail was perfect!
Frequently Asked Questions:
A shoot out is a full styled wedding or elopement shoot with fresh ideas for you to show up with your gear and capture some amazing content for your porftolio and connect with other amazing vendors. We will have everything covered for the details and even snacks!
What is a shootout?
What if I am not local to where the shootout is held but want to expand my portfolio?
How many photoshoots will there be?
What skill level of photography do you need to attend the shootout?
We would love to have you join us while we take our shootouts to different provinces. You are responsible for your own travel and accommodation. The ticket costs however may include snacks on the day!
What is a shootout?
What if I am not local to where the shootout is held but want to expand my portfolio?
How many photoshoots will there be?
What skill level of photography do you need to attend the shootout?
For each shoot out series we will aim to always have 2 different styled shoots, one for an elopement/wedding and one for either a couples session or bridal editorial.
What is a shootout?
What if I am not local to where the shootout is held but want to expand my portfolio?
How many photoshoots will there be?
What skill level of photography do you need to attend the shootout?
Our shootouts are for any skill level of photography! Whether you are an industry pro or you are just getting started we want this to be inclusive and open to everyone to have a great time in a safe space. Each shoot out will be filled with inspiration for you to add to your portfolio.
What is a shootout?
What if I am not local to where the shootout is held but want to expand my portfolio?
How many photoshoots will there be?
What skill level of photography do you need to attend the shootout?
Our goal is to ensure each experience is planned with intent and that everyone gets to be as present as possible so we like to keep it intimate! There will be 2 separate groups with up to 6 people per group, this way everyone gets lots of time to capture content between each shoot and time with the lead photographer.
How many people will attend each shoot out?
Will I get individual time with each couple at each shoot?
What do I do if I can no longer attend??
How does payment work?
Yes absolutely! We keep things intimate for group activites and rotate between the shoots. Our lead photographer Liv will be there for tips and to ensure everyone has the chance to step forward and direct the couple for up to 5 minutes per person.
How many people will attend each shoot out?
Will I get individual time with each couple at each shoot?
What do I do if I can no longer attend??
How does payment work?
You will be given your own invoice where you can pay the ticket price using a major credit card or PayPal. If you would prefer to pay over e-transfer that can be arranged as well. The full ticket price is due upfront to secure your spot.
How many people will attend each shoot out?
Will I get individual time with each couple at each shoot?
What do I do if I can no longer attend??
How does payment work?
Unfortunately all sales and tickets and non-refundable. We understand that life can happen and if you can no longer attend you are welcome to use your deposit towards a future shoot or you can sell it to a friend. All terms will be outlined on your contract.
How many people will attend each shoot out?
Will I get individual time with each couple at each shoot?
What do I do if I can no longer attend??
How does payment work?
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