Photographer, Educator, Urban Beekeeper
not your average wedding photographer
STYLE & VISION
relaxed and romantic
I’m all about three things: celebration, connection and client education.
If I had to put a label on it, my style of photography is a mixture of romantic portraits and epic dance party moments. I’m the one you call when you’re looking a wedding gallery overflowing with candid images of your loved ones.
My camera is focused on the little moments between family members, the inside jokes from best friends and the mischief little kids get into during toasts.
I balance fun and intentional posing prompts with my documentary approach to capturing your wedding day.I value authenticity and do my best to capture everyone as their true selves on your wedding day.
I’ll probably leave your reception knowing everyone’s first name and their life story. I mix and mingle to break the ice with your guests and care about their experience on your wedding day. When I’m working, I do my best not to distrust their experience, especially during your vow exchange and speeches.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
learning is cool
I’m invested in what I do. Each year I strive to learn more. I am thankful to have attended We Three Workshops, the Heart & Dime Mentorship Retreat and a one day workshop with Jonas Peterson. I’ve had the opportunity to learn with the best of the best. I’m also a student affairs nerd, currently pursuing a Certificate in Adult Learning Specializing in Career and Academic Advising with the University of Calgary.
I incorporate my value of education into my work with clients. Creating expectations about the experience, sharing tip sheets and providing planning tools is a part of my process.
VALUES
leave not trace
Simply put, Leave No Trace is a set of ethics & best practices I use as a wedding photographer to enjoy and protect the outdoors. Leave No Trace has a set of 7 minimum-impact principles, that help guide our decisions when we’re outside.
- Plan Ahead & Prepare
- Travel & Camp on Durable Surfaces
- Dispose of Waste Properly
- Leave What You Find
- Minimize Campfire Impacts
- Respect Wildlife
- Be Considerate of other Visitors
HOME LIFE
the beekeeper gal
I grew up just outside Edmonton AB, Canada, on what you’d call a hobby farm. For a short while I lived downtown but I’ve returned to the rural lifestyle. I recently took up urban beekeeping.
I’m obsessed with the east coast of Canada, in particular Prince Edward Island and Cape Breton Island. I would move to both areas in a heartbeat. Some weeknights you’ll find me down at the dock at the Edmonton Rowing Club. Other weeknights I’ll be at home with our pet duck. Her name is Duck. A not so secret secret: I’m a Dungeons and Dragons nerd.
FIVE FUN FACTS
#1 I'm a certified urban beekeeper
#2 I'm allergic to maple syrup
#3 I've performed with Oscar Valdés of Irakere
#4 My second dream job would be stunt car driver
#5 I'm a certified skid steer operator
TRAVEL DATES
Same place at the same time? Let me know, we should connect :)
NEXT DESTINATIONS
June 11 - June 18, 2021
Canadian Rocky Mountains
BUCKET LIST DESTINATIONS
Nazaré Portugal, Newfoundland & Labrador Canada, Tasmania Australia, Grand Canyon USA, Patagonia Argentina, Antartica Follow my Elopement Inspiration board on Pinterest to keep up with all my day dreaming
WHAT'S IN YOUR BAG?
The Gear List
I shoot with not one, not two, but three professional Nikon D750s. I use four lenses on your wedding day, the Nikkor 35 mm, Nikkor 50 mm, Nikkor 85 mm, Nikkor 105 mm, and sometimes the Nikkor 70 - 200 mm.
My favourite lens is the 1.4 35 mm, it's the lens which most closely matches the human eye.
SUPPORT TEAM
thank your rocks so they don't roll away
My family and friends are my biggest cheerleaders and enablers. So yeah, they’re all a part of my team. Thank you all for loving me even though you don’t see me for entire summers. You rock and your love sustains me. Seriously.
RAVE REVIEWS
Amy & Riley
Words can't begin how highly I would recommend Janelle as a wedding photographer. She took all the pressure off of us as a couple and we were able to enjoy our wedding day without thinking for one moment about how photos would turn out. We gave her very limited direction but she was still able to deliver exactly what we wanted, and these are photos we will cherish for the rest of our lives.
Alison & Oliver
My darling photographer, Janelle. As a couple, we didn't have very many bright ideas for pictures, but Janelle more than made up for it. Everyone raves about our wedding pictures. She has such a good eye and my photos are definitely one of my most treasured possessions now.
Harley & Jack
Janelle is such an amazing photographer, and I would recommend her to anyone and everyone. She photographed our small and casual wedding and we could not have hoped for a better photographer. Her attitude is both down to earth and professional, and she was able to capture so many beautiful candid moments, while making any posed photos fun. She has an excellent eye, and we are absolutely in love with her style and how the finished photos came out. The turn around for the photos was also fast! She even sent us a few on the day of the wedding, which was such a lovely gift after a whirlwind of a day. We cannot recommend her enough!
Ellyn & Conor
We've had the opportunity to be photographed by Janelle on numerous occasions. It has been such a pleasure watching her hone her skills and build her photography portfolio over the years. Janelle is great at capturing both the exciting and quiet moments of special occasions. She is patient when working with people who are not often photographed and we appreciate that she doesn't try to pose anyone in ways they are not comfortable. This makes for images that are authentic and genuinely candid. We often recommend Janelle to all our family and friends!
Veronica & Arlan
Working with Janelle was one of the highlights of our wedding. She honestly went above and beyond in every way, and she was extremely professional, from our initial meeting to after the wedding day. She was fun, inclusive, and made us feel as comfortable as if we were spending time with a friend trying to capture the best moments for our specific story - something really important for such a personal day. It didn't feel like she was focused on trying to get generic wedding photographer portfolio shots. She took great care of us on our wedding day, and she works very hard and efficiently - we even had our photos earlier than expected!