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Meet Jennifer

Hey there! Thanks for stopping by to learn more about me. Seventeen years ago, I took my very first photography course at university, and it was love at first click! I started out with darkroom film photography, and the red glow of the darkroom had me hooked. There was something magical about seeing the images come to life.

After a few months, I got my hands on a digital SLR camera and started learning Photoshop. Let me tell you, it was a game-changer! Throughout my university years, I had a few photography gigs that helped me buy some equipment, but I never imagined that my passion would eventually turn into my profession.

After completing six years of post-secondary education, I became a BC Certified Art teacher, and it was a dream come true. After a year of teaching on call I got to built a photography program from the ground up. I had the opportunity to teach hundreds of students. But as much as I loved teaching, I knew that photography was still calling my name.

Fast forward a few years, I became a parent to two beautiful children. When they started attending daycare full-time, I knew I wanted to do something creative and challenging for myself. So I decided to take my passion for photography to the next level and become a professional photographer.

Let me tell you, it's been a journey! I was confident in my skills as a photographer in those early days, but I learned I needed to also work extremely hard to become the best at my job. Through mentorship and coaching outside of my university training, I've honed my craft and developed a style that is uniquely mine. I love serving my clients with the best experience possible and leave them with photos as precious as works of art for generations to come.

Mom
Wife
Artist
Teacher
Photographer

Before my children I couldn't seem to keep a plant alive. This worried my husband terribly (ha!), but a magical thing happened after my first daughter was born. I became obsessed with plants and I've even rooted three avocado seeds. My home now has over 20 plants and I planted my first full garden during the summer of 2020. We had everything you could think of from watermelons (teeny-tiny, but I it was a success in my mind!), to heirloom snap peas, to corn and more zucchini then I knew what to do with. I love having greenery in my photos and outdoors is my favourite place to take photos.

I'm obsessed with plants

I love
editing with my cat at night

I can't pass up a really cool vintage chair

My cat Stella came home with my husband when he finished his three months of paternity leave after my oldest was born. She loves her girls. She sees us off to school in the morning, greets us at the door when we come home, and even walks with us around the neighbourhood like a puppy. When I edit at night she hops in my lap and keeps me company. Every once in a while my little ones will join me for a little late night one-on-one time and those are my favourite moments. Stella gets grumpy when the girls take her spot, but I don't mind!

When looking for the perfect boho-style editing chair I went through four chairs before I finally settled on a vintage high-back chair. I have two benches for photography, and I'm always on Facebook Market Place looking for new ones! I have more art supplies then most art rooms, and vintage cameras always seem to make there way to me (not that I complain). My photographer friends make fun of me for my chair obsession. I have a vintage rattan table that looks similar to one my Nana had in her apartment from when I was a child. It makes me feel so nostalgic and happy. Plus, my plants look so pretty on it!

My two favourite things (besides my two mini-me's) are my two brand new Nikon D750 cameras (yes I have two!) and my 85mm, 50mm, 35mm, and 24-70mm lenses. I'm left handed, and love to paint and draw. The only thing I wanted to be when I was growing up was a photographer and artist. I love making play dough with my kids, watching them get covered in paint, and building forts in the living room. My Nana and Mom keep me focused and taught me the value of hard work. I do everything with passion and great care. I do what I love and do it with my whole heart.

4 things About Me

I have lots and lots of cameras

Taking the days
as they come
and loving
every minute

Kind Words

"We had Jenn for our first couple photography session and I can’t say enough good things about her! I’m very awkward in front of the camera, but she made sure I felt relaxed and comfortable, her instructions were so easy to follow. She’s not only a professional, reliable photographer but a genuinely nice, fun person. Our pictures turned out beautiful, love her natural editing style. I’ll definitely hire her in the future for our engagement and wedding pictures."

~Henrietta, Makeup Aristist and Tiktok Rockstar

Kind Words

I’ve had Jenn on multiple occasions for photography in my Medi Spa, not only was she sweet and engaging, the quality of her work is unbelievable! I will continue to call on Jenn anytime we need work or family photos done! Highly recommend Family Archive! Thank you so much!

~Harmony, Mom and Business Owner

Kind Words

“Jenn is excellent! She is super understanding if you’re awkward in front of the camera and helps you to feel comfortable. She makes the experience fun! The quality of her work speaks for itself - the images are beautiful!”

— Sheena, Mom-to-Be

Kind Words

"My partner and I had a shoot with Jenn a few weekends ago and it was perfect! Before we even had the shoot her communication was outstanding, she gave us great outfit guidelines which had an amazing impact on our photos. (Seriously, take the wardrobe advice - it'll make all the difference!). The gallery for receiving and viewing our photos was also excellent, easy to maneuver and order from. She was vibrant, attentive and had a keen eye for details. Highly recommend!

~Amanda, Hopelessly In Love

Kind Words

"My husband and I eloped and I almost didn't even hire a photographer. I am so so happy I found Jennifer. She was really relaxed and friendly and she got some amazing shots that I'm going to love forever."

— Kelly, Insanely Happy Newly Wed

Kind Words

“Jenn is seriously the best at what she does! She has taken our photos two years in a row now and it is something that we all look forward to - even my hubby. She has a way of making you feel relaxed in front of the camera so it's like you're having a visit with a great friend but you get some awesome photos out of the deal. I would recommend Jenn 100 times over to anybody and look forward to seeing her passion grow!”

~Melissa, Returning Client

Kind Words

I had my photos done by Jenn and she has amazing passion and energy for what she does. I had a few shoots with her already because I love her work and the experience so much. Each time she brings her all! I am shy at times around the camera but she just makes me feel so confident. Her photos and editing are beautiful. Thank you so much Jenn!

~Lily, Makeup Artist and Model

Kind Words

We had our engagement photos done with Jenn and it was an amazing experience! Though we are both quite unphotogenic, she was very communicative and put us at ease. A very professional and skilled photographer! Our photos turned out incredible and it is all thanks to her! Would highly recommend Family Archive Photography for all of your photoshoot needs!

~Victoria, Teacher and Newly Engaged

Kind Words

Jenn is seriously the best at what she does! She has taken our photos two years in a row now and it is something that we all look forward to - even my hubby. She has a way of making you feel relaxed in front of the camera so it's like you're having a visit with a great friend but you get some awesome photos out of the deal. I would recommend Jenn 100 times over to anybody and look forward to seeing her passion grow!

~Melissa, Returning Client

Kind Words

I hired Jennifer photograph for some headshots. Not only did she do an amazing job, she made the whole process simple.I was a little nervous for the shoot, as the pictures meant a lot to me. The best thing she did was simplify things for me and allow me to be relaxed. Jennifer coached me through the whole process and even had some suggestions to help me be myself for the photos. It helped, and it showed in the end results. It was very convenient to book a time with her and she also had a few different options for locations where we could do the shoot. I highly recommend Family Archive.

~Jat Makkar, Mortgage Broker

Hey! I'm so excited to chat about your special event! Are you looking for family photos? Are you engaged?! Are you looking for a strong branding message? Tell me all the details and I can get back to you within 24-48 hours via phone or email. Can't wait to chat!!!